The 2008 Kansas Republican Party Platform is being modeled after successful concepts used in Florida, Oklahoma, Virginia and several other states. Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio was the first trailblazer of the concept who formulated “100 Ideas for Florida’s Future” (website). Through this innovative plan, heralded by former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Speaker Rubio held “IdeaRaisers” in cities across Florida to solicit new and ground-breaking ideas for how to make Florida better. Floridians gathered at venues across the state to advance new ideas which Republican leaders could then take to their statehouse and enact into law.

Everyone knows the problems that Kansas is facing. What we need more of is answers.

Through this novel method, the Kansas Republican Party seeks to create a platform which serves as a vehicle for not just highlighting the failed policies of the Sebelius Administration but ways to pro-actively fix Kansas government after years of Democrat control.

The 2008 Kansas Republican Party Platform seeks to find answers and provide solutions to cure Kansas’ stagnant and downward spiraling economy, curb violent crime, make government more open and accountable, prepare Kansans to compete in a global economy by making our schools not just good, but great, and maintain the values and beliefs of America’s heartland.

Our vision of a better Kansas does not start in the halls of the Capitol or with the input of special interest lobbyists and the politically well connected. It starts with the people. It will begin with frank discussions with ordinary Kansans as we seek to find practical solutions grounded in thorough research.

Republicans have long believed that the best and most effective government is the government closest to the people. Through this process we are headed back to our roots, back to the people, to listen to their thoughts, discover their dreams and renew within them a sense of hope and optimism.

The process we are embarking upon is not about hidden agendas. It is about displaying leadership, listening to our fellow Kansans and then being accountable to them for the ideas they propose. These ideas won’t fall on deaf ears. They will be taken to Topeka where Kansans can hold their elected officials accountable as we seek to enact these solutions into law.

We want a blueprint for success that provides answers to the complex problems Kansans face every single day. We are looking for a comprehensive plan straight from the hearts and minds of average Kansans -- ideas which truly inspire residents of the Sunflower State to begin thinking as big as they dream. It is our goal to pioneer change one progressive idea at a time.

- State Representative Peggy Mast
50 Ideas Committee Chair

- Kris W. Kobach
Kansas Republican Party Chairman